A Luxurious Journey Through France's Premier Wine Regions

Imagine the allure of crisp autumn air, the scent of grapes ripening on the vine, and the taste of world-class wines flowing through your glass. In October 2023, I took a select group of wine enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey through some of France's most prestigious wine regions. The itinerary we put together promised not only exceptional wine tastings but also immersion in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Champagne, Chablis, Burgundy, and beyond.

Day 1: A Champagne Welcome

Our journey began on a crisp Sunday morning, with the group meeting our incredible guide, Helene, at the Hotel de France Invalides in Paris. From there, a luxury Mercedes Sprinter whisked us away to Reims, the heart of the Champagne region. we arrived just before noon, with enough time to explore the historic city center and enjoy a leisurely lunch filled with Champagne (of course).

The highlight of the afternoon was an exclusive visit to the esteemed Champagne House Ruinart. As we sipped on a selection of the finest cuvées, including the iconic Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, we marveled at the craftsmanship that has defined this house for centuries. There is nothing like the cave system here, it was truly magical.

On the way to our hotel in Epernay, we stopped in Hautvillers and got a glimpse into the origins of Champagne. This picturesque village, known as the birthplace of Champagne, is where the monk Dom Pérignon perfected the art of sparkling wine. The day concluded with a visit and tasting at Champagne Bliard-Labeste, where we indulged in the flavors of two exquisite wines overlooking the entire Champagne region before settling in for the night at the Hostellerie La Briqueterie. This was a highlight of our trip!

Day 2: Exploring the Roots of Champagne

After a refreshing breakfast, we bid farewell to La Briqueterie and headed to the medieval town of Troyes. Here, we strolled through the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, soaking in the charm of this ancient city. A leisurely lunch provided the perfect opportunity to savor local delicacies before continuing to Les Riceys.

At Maison Morize, in Les Riceys, we were treated to a tasting of three distinct cuvées, each showcasing the unique terroir of the region. A special treat to see the gyropallets work as we explored the mini caves.As the day drew to a close, we arrived at Château de Béru, where we were welcomed with a private tour and a sumptuous wine-pairing dinner. The chateau’s historic setting and the owner's hospitality made for an enchanting evening, with each dish perfectly matched to the estate's wines. This was an incredibly special night that we will never forget.

Day 3: The Essence of Burgundy

Tuesday’s adventure began with a scenic drive to Dijon, where a guided tour of the old town provided a deeper understanding of Burgundy's cultural heritage. We bought Dijon mustard, gingerbread and some other local specialities. After exploring Dijon’s architectural treasures and enjoying a leisurely lunch, we continued to Vosne Romanée, one of the most prestigious wine villages in Burgundy.

The visit to Domaine Bernard Rion was a sensory delight, with tastings of five wines paired with truffle products from the domain. The rich, earthy flavors of the truffles perfectly complemented the elegant wines. Harvest had just finished so there was a lot of excitement and work happening in the cellar. Fruit was being pressed, barrels were being filled and bottles were being corked. The day’s exploration ended at Clos de Vougeot, where we delved into the history of the Cistercian monks who founded the vineyard nearly a thousand years ago. An incredible plot of land filled with so much history. 125 acres of Grand Cru Vineyards owned by more than 80 producers.

That evening, we checked into the luxurious Château de Gilly, where we enjoyed a gourmet dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences while savoring the local cuisine.

Day 4: Unveiling Burgundy’s Hidden Gems

Wednesday began with a visit to the Hospices de Beaune, a former charitable almshouse dating back to the 15th century. We toured the beautifully preserved building and learned about its historical significance, particularly the famous annual wine auction that supports the region’s hospitals. What a beautiful place!

Following this, we visited Maison Jaffelin, where a tour of the cellars culminated in a tasting of five exceptional wines. The rest of the day was spent exploring the quaint villages of Pommard and Meursault, both renowned for their prestigious wines. The evening was spent back at Château de Gilly, where we had the chance to unwind and savor the tranquility of the Burgundy countryside.

Day 5: Discovering Southern Burgundy

On Thursday, we journeyed to Château de Chamirey in Mercurey for a morning tasting. Here, we sampled four wines, including a Premier Cru, and enjoyed a traditional French lunch featuring parsley ham, cream chicken with gratin dauphinois, and decadent chocolate mousse overlooking the beautiful rolling vineyards.

The day continued with a visit to the charming town of Chalon/Saône before checking into Château de Pierreclos. The evening was spent indulging in a tasting of two white wines and one red wine at the château, a perfect prelude to a relaxing evening in the beautiful surroundings. I even sabered a bottle of Cremant de Bourgogne!

Day 6: A Farewell to Burgundy

Friday marked the final day of wine exploration, starting with a visit to Mâcon, a town known for its Mediterranean feel and rich winemaking history. We then traveled to Fuissé for a white wine tasting at Château de Vitallis, where we experienced the elegance of Pouilly-Fuissé wines paired with local goat cheese.

The afternoon was spent exploring the magnificent Château de Cormatin, a well-preserved Renaissance castle surrounded by lush gardens where a few of us got lost in the hedge mazes.. The day concluded with a check-in at Château de Chailly, where we enjoyed a leisurely dinner and a final evening in Burgundy.

Day 7: The Journey Home

The final day of the trip began by embarking on the journey back to Paris where we explored the city and said our goodbyes to each other.

This trip was more than just a journey through France’s most famous wine regions; it was an immersion into the heart of French culture, history, and the art of winemaking. Each sip, each vineyard visit, and each meal provided a deeper connection to the land and the people who make these wines so special. For those who embarked on this adventure, the memories will linger like the finish of a fine Burgundy—long, complex, and deeply satisfying.